2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara - Solid Build, Good Options, Great Value


CORVALLIS, OR - The 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara has received well deserved tweaks to it's platform which is now going on it's fifth model year. The third generation of the Vitara or 'J' series was a radical change from the previous two. From a separate chassis and body, solid rear live axle, and fully manual drive train to a unibody construction, fully independent front and rear suspension, and automated 4wd operation the new Grand Vitara was welcomed as a quality performer when it was released in 2006. Suzuki has now made some good improvements that adds even more value and use to what has become, due to the exit of the XL7 platform, the flagship for Suzuki in North America. The Grand Vitara is built solid and truly has good off-road performance, something that most in this segment can not claim.

Full review available here...

Who's opinion?  

Anybody credible? Major magazine? JD Power? Consumer Report?  or...

Edmunds wasn't wild about it. 7.1 on a 10 point scale.

Lack of interior storage compartments, right-hinged rear cargo door makes street-side loading a hassle, noisy engine, limited long-distance comfort.

Full review...
http://www.edmunds.com/suzuki/grandvitara/2010/review.html

Even worse with 5.4 numbers from the Electronics Tech angle...
http://www.zdnet.com/reviews/product/sedan/2010-suzuki-grand-vitara/34052604

I will NEVER EVER own a Suzuki again..
I have a 06 GV LOADED Auto (Big Mistake) This thing hunts non stop through the gears.
On even the smallest hill it downshifts and then it will not up shift even when your at the top of the hill untill I take my foot off the gas pedal. WTF

On the Hiway it will down shift and the RPM will hold in the 5000 range and at the top of the hill I have to take my foot off the gas pedal to get it to up shift. (POS) Even on small hills it will not stay in OD.

Suzuki says thats the way they are. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  NOT HAPPY

All I want is to be able to push the pedal down to at least 3/4 before  this thing jumps out of OD - There is no reason for it to be constantly hunting.

If I had a standard I would not be reving the motor like this !!! I would not be downshifting on every little hill.


So it doesnt matter how good the new one is I will never own another Suzuki. They dont stand behind them. They think because they are Japanese there cant be an issue.. NOT

Rob

I will NEVER EVER own a Suzuki again..
I have a 06 GV LOADED Auto (Big Mistake) This thing hunts non stop through the gears.
On even the smallest hill it downshifts and then it will not up shift even when your at the top of the hill untill I take my foot off the gas pedal. WTF

On the Hiway it will down shift and the RPM will hold in the 5000 range and at the top of the hill I have to take my foot off the gas pedal to get it to up shift. (POS) Even on small hills it will not stay in OD.

Suzuki says thats the way they are. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  NOT HAPPY

All I want is to be able to push the pedal down to at least 3/4 before  this thing jumps out of OD - There is no reason for it to be constantly hunting.

If I had a standard I would not be reving the motor like this !!! I would not be downshifting on every little hill.


So it doesnt matter how good the new one is I will never own another Suzuki. They dont stand behind them. They think because they are Japanese there cant be an issue.. NOT

Rob

That seems odd.. Did you do a scan on the vehicle to see if any speed or transmission related sensors are bad? I had shifting problems in my 2001 Auto and it turned out to be a sensor failure.. Easy fix..

Maybe a great rig to tow around a motor home and do a little improved dirty or gravel road exploring, but sounds like a flop as a real four wheel drive.  Who want independent suspension unless it's in an H1 Hummer or a full race desert rig?  People are ripping the independent suspensions out of 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks to make a good four wheelers.  Auto 4-wheel drive! I would rather turn hub and shift a lever, much less to go wrong or break.  Unibody has its good and bad points, but for overall durability for offloading I would like a ladder frame.   Suzuki is just following the crowd and making a rig for the masses not the true fourwheel drive community.
Samcan

I'll pass judgement after I drive one.